Bachelor of Music

Our Bachelor of Music covers all the skills and knowledge you need to be a multi-faceted professional musician. It’s built around collaboration - you’ll learn the foundational skills and apply them in group projects and classes that directly mirror the real world of the music industry.More than half the programme content is practical in nature, a higher proportion than most music degrees in New Zealand. This includes regular structured rehearsals, in-class demonstrations and numerous performance opportunities including concerts and gigs with staff and other students. With such a focus on the practical, you’re a musician from day one at Ara.The degree offers three pathways: Music Creation (composition), Music Performance and Music Production. This choice lets you specialise in the area you’re passionate about, while learning alongside and working with musicians from other pathways. Your third-year capstone project allows you to design your own major project (which can include a work placement if relevant) with dedicated specialist tutor support.At Ara you’ll learn from a great team of tutors who are each also professional, working musicians. They perform, write and record across the country, from the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra to Salmonella Dub and everything in between. Music audition dates:

December 1-3 September 22-24 Late Applications Accepted

What if English is not my first Language? Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic 5.5 Listening 5.5 Reading 5.5 Writing 5.5 Speaking If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study. Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart. If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment. If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country. IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test. What if I have achieved University Entrance? You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills. Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements? If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry. Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace. You are also required to: Attend an audition to evaluate musical skills (Music Performance pathway). The audition will include a theory test, an aural test, a performance and an interview Supply a portfolio of musical outputs (Music Creation / Music Production pathways) and attend an interview / theory / aural test All applicants are sbject to a selection process to ensure suitability for this degree Applicants are auditioned, which includes a theory test, an aural test, a performance and an interview The audition panel is comprised of the programme leader and specialist tutors from the degree programme. Applicants are ranked based on their audition score. Depending on that ranking, applicants will be offered a place in the degree (or another programme) subject to any pending entry requirements being met (NCEA results etc) An offer of place on the degree may be conditional on the completion of a short course (e.g. summer theory school) or other recommended tuition To ensure a balanced programme, specific numbers of each instrument are accepted each year Those who are not initially accepted but who meet the standard are waitlisted in order of ranking (within those instruments) University Entrance as specified by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) OR New Zealand Certificate in Music (Level 4) OR New Zealand Certificate in Performing Arts (Level 4) Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency. * NZQA approved subjects: see